Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Closure Due to Serious Losses: When Separation Pay Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business closure due to serious losses exempts employers from separation pay, but still requires proper notice.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Notice of Loss in Chattel Mortgage Agreements
When a mortgaged vehicle is stolen, borrowers must prove they notified the bank. Learn the burden of proof rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Hearsay on Trial: Proving Misconduct in Philippine Administrative Law
A look at Far Eastern Surety v. People, on bail bond liability, forgery claims, and the proper mode of appeal under Rule 45.
Trademark Infringement Search Warrants: Probable Cause in IP Cases Explained
Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause for search warrants in trademark infringement and unfair competition cases under the IP Code.
Tenant Rights Under Scrutiny: Consent and Proof in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that occupation and cultivation alone do not create a tenancy relationship, requiring proof of landowner consent and harvest sharing.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically invalidate a conviction if the chain of custody remains intact.
CARP Exemption for Livestock Farms: Proof Must Be Exclusive and Timely
Landowners seeking CARP exemption for livestock raising must prove exclusive use as of June 15, 1988, not just belated claims.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to protect accused rights.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Courts Can Restore Destroyed Land Records
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
When Business Downturns Lead to Employee Layoffs: Understanding Retrenchment Under Philippine Law
Learn the legal rules on retrenchment in the Philippines, including valid grounds, procedural requirements, and worker protections.
Affinity vs Consanguinity: Correcting Birth Records and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle birth certificate corrections affecting filiation, legitimacy, and inheritance rights under Rule 108.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.